Re: [Paddlewise] ocean cockpit

At 12:55 PM 8/10/2002 -0400, Michael Daly wrote:
>From: <jfarrelly5_at_comcast.net>
>
>> I am considering buying a used Valley Pintail with an ocean cockpit.
>> I have never used an ocean cockpit.  I am 5' 11" 160 lbs.  About 180cm
and about 72 kgs.
>> Opinions as to how comfortable that type of cockpit is and how easy it
is to get into/out of?
>
>I have an ocean cockpit on my Ellesmere.  I would not recommend it for the
average paddler.
>It is well suited to those that feel they need it (ie. don't trust a
keyhole with a skirt
>that has an implosion bar).  I got one because I wanted to be comfortable
with using one
>when I make my SOF kayak (someday...) or if I find myself in a situation
of renting or
>borrowing one in an exotic place and a keyhole isn't available.
>
>It is a challenge getting used to getting in or out.  I have got to the
point where I 
>can balance while sitting on the back deck and keeping my paddle
(Greenland style) 
>behind the cockpit with one end submerged in the water.  By submerging one
end of the 
>paddle, I can dampen the rolling to the point that I can recover from
minor imbalances 
>and still get in.  I haven't tried this in a surf launch yet! (surf? - in
the Great 
>Lakes?)  

I've got a fiberglass VCP Skerray which has the same ocean cockpit as the
pintail.  I didn't feel that it was much of a challenge learning to
enter/exit the cockpit. You just have to get used to putting your feet in
first, then sit down.  Exiting the boat, at least during a wet exit, is
pretty much the same as in a keyhole cockpit.  If you're somersaulting out
you're feet are coming out last anyway.
>
>As far as comfort goes, I find it more comfortable than other kayaks - but
that is partly
>due to the seat.  The lack of thigh hooks means I can move my legs around
more and still
>brace under the deck.  Overall I like it, but getting in/out is a pain at
times.

That's my impression as well. If you consider how much time you spend
getting in and out compared to how much time you are sitting in the boat
paddling,  how the cockpit fits while paddling should take greater
priortity.  I also like the fact that the foredeck extends over my legs.
As long as the foredeck is sufficiently high enough the amount of leg room
is the same as in a keyholed cockpit.
>
>I find it helps make people think you're a Serious Paddler :-)
>
>> How long can you keep a glass kayak if you maintain it? 
>
>Forever?  I see sailboats from the fifties (some of the first fiberglass
hulls)
>still in service.  I don't see any reasonable end to their life if
maintained and 
>not abused.  In principle, the glass fibers can break and the laminate
soften with
>time, but that's more common in skis than boats.  You'd have to really
pound and 
>flex a hull to sustain enough damage over time to weaken a kayak, I should
think.

Even if a fiberglass hull does get damaged, it's much easier to repair than
a plastic boat.

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